For more than three decades, Edna Mashaka, a widow from Tanzania’s Mara Region, adapted to life with a traditional pit latrine that was inconvenient, difficult to maintain, and inaccessible for her son, who lives with a disability. Although it served its basic purpose, the facility posed daily challenges for the family and did little to support their health, comfort, or dignity.
Everything changed when the FINISH Mondial programme introduced improved sanitation solutions in her community.
“Before this project, we used a traditional toilet that was far from ideal,” Edna recalls. “Today, I have a modern toilet that uses much less water, and it has completely changed our lives.”
The greatest transformation has been for her son. The new toilet was designed to be safer and easier to use, allowing him to access it independently for the first time.
“The new facility has been a blessing, especially for my disabled son, who can now use the toilet independently without any difficulty. This improvement has made our daily lives much easier and healthier.”
The project was built on partnership and community ownership. Edna contributed what she could by digging the pit and providing locally available materials, including blocks, water, and construction equipment, while the project and local government supported the remaining construction requirements. This shared investment helped ensure the toilet met the family’s needs while strengthening community ownership of the intervention.
The impact has extended well beyond Edna’s household. Curious neighbours regularly visit to see the new toilet, ask about the construction process, and learn about the costs involved. Their interest has sparked conversations across the village about the benefits of investing in improved sanitation, demonstrating how one household can inspire many others to act.
As someone who has lived as a widow since 1993, Edna believes that access to safe sanitation is about much more than infrastructure.
“I encourage others to invest in better sanitation facilities. Although the initial costs may seem high, the health benefits far outweigh them. A proper toilet is not just an investment in your home , it is an investment in your family’s well-being.”
Looking ahead, Edna hopes similar support will continue reaching vulnerable households, particularly widows and families caring for people with disabilities.